Baseball Like You've Never Seen It, As It Was Played In 1864

On Governor's Island, in New York City, men gather to play one of America's oldest pastimes. But unlike many local leagues, these men play baseball as it was in the old days.

The Gotham Baseball Club of New York play baseball according to the rules in place in 1864 and have done so for 11 seasons. Governor's Island is the ideal place for the league as it has an old world feel—especially this weekend during the Jazz Age Lawn Party.

New York City played an important role in the invention and development of baseball and the Gothams take their name from baseball's second oldest team (the oldest were the Knicherbockers), which used to meet at 298 Bowery and play at the St. George Cricket Club on Staten Island.

Today, players come from all over and range in age from early mid-20s to mid-50s. Some are there for the history, the love the recreation while others are there for the love of baseball and the game.

There are a few important rule changes, including:

No gloves! Bare handed was the way they used to play.

Balls can be caught off one bounce and the batter is still out - this helps even out the no gloves.

You can't overrun first base - i.e. you need to slide in there or stop on the base - because if you overrun and the first baseman gets the ball and tags you, you are out.

It's fun, nostalgic, and a little bit quirky and open to all. So if you are in the area check it out, but if you can't we have pictures.